Powerful Tools for Caregiver classes: Now offered for caregivers of adults and children

By Leah Persky, PhD & CFLE • Manager of Family Life Education & Addiction and Recovery Services

JFCS is excited to announce two classes for caregivers. The Powerful Tools program is a six-week, evidence-based program, which focuses on teaching self-care practices to caregivers of adults. The Powerful Tools program is the winner of numerous accolades, including the 2007 National Family Caregiving Award.

The program allows caregivers time to connect with others going through similar experiences and to learn effective tools and strategies for self-care. Participants of the class will improve their well-being by learning strategies to manage intense emotions that come along with caregiving, reduce stress, gain self- confidence, and connect to community resources.

Several JFCS staff have completed the training and are certified to teach Powerful Tools classes. We are able to offer multiple sections of the class. Senior Services Case Manager Lindsay Kant and former JFCS Senior Services Program Director Annette Sandler (returning as a volunteer class leader) will be teaching a class for caregivers of adults with chronic illness. This class is intended for individuals providing care for a parent, partner, friend or relative. It begins on Oct. 4 and meets Tuesdays from 10-11:30 a.m. at JFCS’ Golden Valley office. Click here for more information and to register.

The second caregiver class is for parents who care for a child (of any age) who has a chronic health condition or disability. This is a new offering at JFCS. We are excited to be able to support parents in their caregiving journey. Stacey Spencer, Disability Services Manager, and I will co-lead the class, which will begin in January 2023 and will meet at noon on Wednesdays. Stay tuned for more details and registration.

Self-care is a necessary component to the well-being of each person, especially someone experiencing the demands of caregiving for a loved one. Caregiving is a powerful and life-changing experience; we want to support you in your caregiving journey. This is in line with our mission at JFCS, which is to repair the world (tiikkun olam), one person at a time.

If these classes seem like a good fit for you, please register. If you have questions, please reach out to me at lpersky@jfcsmpls.org.